How to Vote this Election
Vote Safe Santa Cruz
Due to COVID-19, ballots will be mailed to all State of California registered voters by October 5.
October 5, 2020: Santa Cruz County voters can expect to find elections materials for the November 3, 2020, Presidential General Election in their mailboxes this week. The ballot is in a 9.5 by 6-inhc envelope with a big XO on the flap.
Inside voters will find their ballot and instructions on how to mark their choices and how to return the ballot. Voters may drop off their ballot in one of the 15 ballot drop boxes installed throughout the county, or walk it in to one of our staffed drop box locations, or mail it in the postage paid envelope. Ballots mailed on or before Nov. 3 and received by the 17th day after the election will be considered received on time under a new California state law.
Every voter has also been mailed a County Voter Information Guide and Sample Ballot booklet. The guide is printed on white paper with the County Clerk seal at the top. The guide includes important information about voting as well as information on local measures and candidates running for local office. In the center of the book, voters will find a copy of their ballot they can use to get ready to vote.
The ballot package mailed to voters will include an “I Voted” sticker and instructions on how to return your ballot safely.
How to Return Your Ballot
1) Ballot Drop Boxes: There is a secure ballot box installed in the parking lot in front of Capitola City Hall/ the Capitola Police Department. County Elections Officials are collecting ballots daily and this is a safe and secure way to return your voted ballot. You can also drop off your ballot in person in our lobby during regular business hours.
2) In-Person Voting Locations: Starting October 31, an additional 16 voting locations will be open for four days until 8pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3. There will also be a voting location at UCSC that will be open Monday, Nov. 2 and Tuesday, Nov. 3. Locations and hours are available online at www.votescount.us. The In-Person Voting Location within Captiola City limits is New Brighton Middle School's gym and performing arts center. It will be open Saturday, October 31 through Tuesday, November 3 for in person voting. However, you can vote at any of the 17 in-person voting location within the County. For a full list of in-person voting locations, click here.
3) By Mail: Your ballot comes with a prepaid postage return envelope. If it is postmarked on or before November 3 and received by the elections official by November 20 it will be considered received on time.
Track Your Ballot
You can easily sign up to track your ballot to ensure its safe delivery! Sign up for Where’s My Ballot at www.wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov. After signing up you will receive an email, text, or voice call notifications when your ballot is received by the elections office. You will also get alerted if there is any problem with your ballot so you can correct it.
